UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 Preview – A Historic Night at the Intuit Dome

The UFC is set to make its long-awaited debut at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on January 18, 2025, with UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2. A star-studded lineup featuring two championship bouts headlines this historic event, airing exclusively on ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

The main event sees the return of Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion and arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, defending his title against surging contender Arman Tsarukyan.

Makhachev (27-1) is riding an incredible 14-fight win streak and has cemented himself as a dominant force in the lightweight division. With victories over elite opponents like Alexander Volkanovski (twice) and Dustin Poirier in 2024, Makhachev has showcased his versatility, finishing seven of his last eight fights inside the distance. Known for his lethal combination of striking precision and grappling supremacy, he enters this fight as the favorite.

For Tsarukyan (21-2), this is the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. Since his UFC debut against Makhachev in 2019, a fight he lost but gained immense respect for, Tsarukyan has gone 9-1, defeating top-tier opponents like Beneil Dariush and former champion Charles Oliveira. The 28-year-old has developed into a well-rounded fighter, blending elite wrestling, striking, and cardio to climb to the top of the division.

Their first meeting in 2019 was a three-round war, with Makhachev emerging victorious via unanimous decision. Now, nearly six years later, they meet again in a five-round battle for the lightweight crown. Both fighters have evolved significantly, and this rematch promises fireworks as the division’s two best competitors go head-to-head.

In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defends his title against unbeaten phenom Umar Nurmagomedov in a clash of styles that has the MMA world buzzing.

Dvalishvili (18-4), nicknamed “The Machine,” has been a relentless force in the division, winning 11 consecutive fights. His dominant wrestling, unrelenting pace, and ever-improving striking were on full display in 2024 when he claimed the title with a lopsided victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. Dvalishvili has already defeated some of the best in the division, including Henry Cejudo, and now faces his toughest test yet in Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov (18-0) is a highly touted prospect who has stormed through the bantamweight rankings. The cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Umar has displayed an elite skill set, blending crisp striking, flawless grappling, and an undefeated mentality. His recent victory over Cory Sandhagen solidified his claim to a title shot, and he now has the chance to prove himself on the grandest stage.

This matchup is a fascinating stylistic clash: Dvalishvili’s high-volume wrestling versus Nurmagomedov’s well-rounded skill set. Both fighters have something to prove, and with their combined undefeated streaks, this bout could be a classic.

In addition to the two title fights, UFC 311 boasts a stacked main card:

•Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano: Two veterans of the lightweight division collide in a potential Fight of the Night contender.

•Jiří Procházka vs. Jamahal Hill: A light heavyweight showdown between former champions looking to reestablish themselves as title contenders.

•Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder: A clash of styles as the fan-favorite Holland takes on submission specialist and former ONE Championship double champion Reinier de Ridder.

UFC 311 marks the promotion’s first-ever event at the Intuit Dome, a venue designed to deliver an unparalleled fan experience. With two championship bouts and a card packed with elite talent, this event is poised to kick off 2025 with a bang.

Don’t miss this electrifying night of fights. Tune in on January 18, 2025, for UFC 311 on ESPN+ PPV.

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